US8983736B2 - Grille shutter control device - Google Patents

Grille shutter control device Download PDF

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Publication number
US8983736B2
US8983736B2 US14/005,088 US201214005088A US8983736B2 US 8983736 B2 US8983736 B2 US 8983736B2 US 201214005088 A US201214005088 A US 201214005088A US 8983736 B2 US8983736 B2 US 8983736B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
abnormality
shutter
section
shutters
cpu
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US14/005,088
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US20140005896A1 (en
Inventor
Koichi Hirota
Yoshimasa Asano
Hitoshi Takayanagi
Masayuki Nomura
Tatsuya Shimizu
Hironori Kanasaki
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Toyota Motor Corp
Aisin Corp
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Aisin Seiki Co Ltd
Toyota Motor Corp
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Assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KANASAKI, Hironori, NOMURA, MASAYUKI, SHIMIZU, TATSUYA, TAKAYANAGI, HITOSHI, ASANO, YOSHIMASA, HIROTA, KOICHI
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor
    • B60K11/085—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor with adjustable shutters or blinds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P11/00—Component parts, details, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01P1/00 - F01P9/00
    • F01P11/10—Guiding or ducting cooling-air, to, or from, liquid-to-air heat exchangers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P7/00—Controlling of coolant flow
    • F01P7/02—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air
    • F01P7/10—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air by throttling amount of air flowing through liquid-to-air heat exchangers
    • F01P7/12—Controlling of coolant flow the coolant being cooling-air by throttling amount of air flowing through liquid-to-air heat exchangers by thermostatic control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01P—COOLING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; COOLING OF INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01P2031/00—Fail safe
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
    • Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a grille shutter control device that controls a shutter provided in an air introduction path for introducing air ahead of a vehicle into the engine compartment to selectively open and close the shutter.
  • a conventional grille shutter control device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. Basically, when the coolant temperature detected by a coolant temperature sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature (for example, 80° C.), the device closes the shutter to prevent air from being introduced into the engine compartment, and improves warm-up performance of the engine. Also, when the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature (for example, 90° C.), the device opens the shutter to introduce a large amount of air into the engine compartment, and cools the coolant circulating in a radiator.
  • a predetermined temperature for example 80° C.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2010-84723
  • a grille shutter control device that includes a control section, an abnormality detection section, and an informing section.
  • the control section is configured to control a drive unit that selectively opens and closes a shutter adapted to be provided in an air introduction path for introducing air ahead of a vehicle into an engine compartment.
  • the abnormality detection section is configured to detect an abnormality in operation of the shutter based on the state after starting the operation of the shutter.
  • the informing section informs a user of an abnormality in the operation of the shutter based on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection section.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes a retry section, which resumes the operation of the shutter when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection section, and an abnormality determining section configured to determine an abnormality in the operation of the shutter if the detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection section is repeated by a predetermined number of times as the operation of the shutter is resumed by the retry section.
  • the informing section informs the user of an abnormality in the operation of the shutter based on the determined abnormality.
  • the abnormality determining section determines that there is an abnormality. Then, since the informing section informs the user based on the determined abnormality, for example, even if the abnormality is temporarily detected by the abnormality detection section, an unnecessary alarm is prevented from being given by the informing section, and an inconvenience caused by the alarm is reduced.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes an abnormality determining section configured to determine an abnormality in the operation of the shutter if the detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection section is repeated by a predetermined number of times.
  • the informing section informs the user of an abnormality in the operation of the shutter based on the determined abnormality.
  • the abnormality determining section determines that there is an abnormality. Based on the determined abnormality, the informing section informs the user. Thus, for example, even if the abnormality is temporarily detected by the abnormality detection section, an unnecessary alarm is prevented from being given by the informing section, and an inconvenience caused by the alarm is reduced.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes an abnormality confirmation section configured to confirm an abnormality in the operation of the shutter when the abnormality determination by the abnormality determining section is repeated by a predetermined number of times.
  • the informing section informs the user of an abnormality in the operation of the shutter based on the confirmed abnormality in the operation.
  • the abnormality confirmation section confirms that there is an abnormality. Based on the confirmed abnormality, the informing section informs the user.
  • the abnormality is temporarily determined by the abnormality determining section, an unnecessary alarm is prevented from being given by the informing section, and an inconvenience caused by the alarm is reduced.
  • the reliability of the alarm by the informing section is improved.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes a first operating section, which operates the shutter based on vehicle information, and a second operating section. If there is no operation record of the shutter by the first operating section based on the vehicle information during a previous period in which an ignition switch was on, the second operating section operates the shutter when the ignition switch is switched on.
  • the second operating section forces the shutter to operate, so that an opportunity for detecting an abnormality by the abnormality detection section is obtained.
  • the shutter is prevented from being left for a long period of time without being given an opportunity for detecting an abnormality by the abnormality detection section.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes an inhibiting section configured to control inhibition of the operation of the shutter in accordance with an alarm given by the informing section, a third operating section, and a cancellation section. If there was an alarm given by the informing section during the previous period in which the ignition switch was on, the third operating section operates the shutter when the ignition switch is switched on.
  • the cancellation section is configured to cancel the state in which the operation of the shutter is inhibited by the inhibiting section based on non-detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection section associated with operation of the shutter by the third operating section.
  • the inhibiting section inhibits the operation of the shutter.
  • the third operating section forces the shutter to operate the next time the ignition switch is switched on, so that an opportunity for detecting an abnormality by the abnormality detection section is ensured.
  • the cancellation section cancels the state in which the operation of the shutter is inhibited by the inhibiting section.
  • the inhibiting section is prevented from unnecessarily continuing to inhibit the operation of the shutter by the temporary alarm generated by the informing section.
  • the grille shutter control device preferably further includes an inhibiting section and a third operating section.
  • the inhibiting section is configured to control inhibition of the operation of the shutter in accordance with an alarm given by the informing section.
  • the third operating section operates the shutter when the ignition switch is switched on.
  • the grille shutter control device cancels the alarm given by the informing section and the state in which the operation of the shutter is inhibited by the inhibiting section.
  • the grille shutter control device Based on detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection section associated with the operation of the shutter by the third operating section, the grille shutter control device immediately informs the user of the detection by using the informing section and inhibits operation of the shutter by using the inhibiting section.
  • the grille shutter control device is preferably configured to have the following configurations. That is, the abnormality detection section detects an abnormality in the operation of the shutter when at least one of the following is the case.
  • the movement position is out of a predetermined range when the operation is stopped upon satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition.
  • the movement amount is less than a predetermined movement amount when the operation is stopped upon satisfaction of the predetermined stop condition.
  • the predetermined stop condition is satisfied although the elapsed time after starting the operation of the shutter has not reached a first predetermined time.
  • the predetermined stop condition is not satisfied although the elapsed time after starting the operation of the shutter has exceeded a second predetermined time.
  • threshold determining of the drive force of the drive unit for example, if the load is increased due to adhesion of the shutter or a foreign matter being caught, the stop condition is satisfied earlier than normal.
  • the movement position when stopping the operation upon satisfaction of the stop condition is displaced. Therefore, by monitoring the movement position when the operation is stopped upon satisfaction of the stop condition, the abnormality is detected if the movement position is out of the predetermined range.
  • the movement amount is reduced when the operation is stopped upon satisfaction of the stop condition. Therefore, by monitoring the movement amount when the operation is stopped upon satisfaction of the stop condition, the abnormality is detected if the movement amount is less than the predetermined movement amount.
  • the stop condition is satisfied by a time period shorter than normal. Therefore, by monitoring the elapsed time after the operation of the shutter is started, the abnormality is detected if the stop condition is satisfied although the elapsed time has not reached the first predetermined time.
  • the drive unit including a mechanism that is linked to the shutter
  • extended time is required for the stop condition to be satisfied. Therefore, by monitoring the elapsed time after the operation of the shutter is started, the abnormality is detected if the stop condition is not satisfied although the elapsed time has exceeded the second predetermined time.
  • the present invention provides a grille shutter control device that allows an abnormality in the operation of a shutter to be promptly eliminated.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the inside of the engine compartment of a vehicle in a state in which a grille shutter is open;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the inside of the engine compartment of the vehicle in a state in which the grille shutter is closed;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating the control manner of a grille shutter control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts illustrating the control manner of a grille shutter control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating the control manner of a grille shutter control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control manner of a grille shutter control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • an engine compartment 1 provided on the front portion of a vehicle such as an automobile includes a driving engine 2 and a radiator 4 for cooling an engine coolant.
  • the radiator 4 is mounted on a vehicle body 3 on the front side of the engine 2 .
  • a bumper 5 which is attached to the vehicle body 3 , extends in the vehicle widthwise direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet of the drawing) at the middle of the radiator 4 in the vehicle height direction and on the front side of the radiator 4 .
  • a first front grille 6 and a second front grille 7 are attached on the upper side and lower side of the bumper 5 .
  • the first front grille 6 forms a first air introduction path 8 a between the upper front surface of the radiator 4 and the first front grille 6
  • the second front grille 7 forms a second air introduction path 8 b between the lower front surface of the radiator 4 and the second front grille 7 .
  • the first and second air introduction paths 8 a , 8 b configure an air introduction path 8 for introducing air ahead of the vehicle into the front surface of the radiator 4 .
  • a rectangular first frame 11 and a rectangular second frame 12 are arranged adjacent to the front side of the radiator 4 next to one another in the vehicle height direction.
  • the first frame 11 and the second frame 12 are attached to the vehicle body 3 via brackets 13 , 14 , respectively.
  • the first frame 11 includes a first main frame 15 , which has a first bellows-like portion 15 a at its distal end and is secured to the lower surface of the bracket 13 , and a first housing frame 16 , which is secured to the inner side of the first main frame 15 .
  • the second frame 12 includes a second main frame 17 , which has a second bellows-like portion 17 a at its distal end and is secured to the upper surface of the bracket 14 , and a second housing frame 18 , which is secured to the inner side of the second main frame 17 .
  • the first housing frame 16 is arranged to surround the upper front surface of the radiator 4 and forms a substantially rectangular first air flow path 19 on its inner side.
  • the second housing frame 18 is arranged to surround the lower front surface of the radiator 4 and forms a substantially rectangular second air flow path 20 on its inner side.
  • the inner upper portion of the first bellows-like portion 15 a is pressed against a wall member 21 , which extends rearward of the vehicle from the upper side of the first front grille 6 , and the inner lower portion of the first bellows-like portion 15 a is pressed against the upper wall portion of the bumper 5 , so that the upper side and the lower side of the first air introduction path 8 a are defined.
  • the air ahead of the vehicle is introduced into the upper front surface of the radiator 4 through the first front grille 6 and the first air flow path 19 .
  • the first air flow path 19 configures part of the first air introduction path 8 a .
  • the inner upper portion of the second bellows-like portion 17 a is pressed against the lower wall portion of the bumper 5
  • the inner lower portion of the second bellows-like portion 17 a is pressed against a wall member 22 , which extends rearward of the vehicle from the lower side of the second front grille 7 , so that the upper side and the lower side of the second air introduction path 8 b are defined.
  • the air ahead of the vehicle is introduced into the lower front surface of the radiator 4 through the second front grille 7 and the second air flow path 20 .
  • the second air flow path 20 configures part of the second air introduction path 8 b.
  • a first shutter 31 and a second shutter 32 which control the flow rate of the air ahead of the vehicle introduced into the front surface of the radiator 4 , are provided on the inner circumference of the first and second housing frames 16 , 18 , that is, in the first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 .
  • the first shutter 31 includes first movable fins 33 , which are arranged with intervals in the vehicle height direction and are rotatable about an axis extending in the vehicle widthwise direction.
  • the first movable fins 33 are supported by the first housing frame 16 on both ends in the vehicle widthwise direction, and all the first movable fins 33 are linked with each other to rotate integrally.
  • the second shutter 32 includes second movable fins 34 , which are arranged with intervals in the vehicle height direction and are rotatable about an axis extending in the vehicle widthwise direction.
  • the second movable fins 34 are supported by the second housing frame 18 on both ends in the vehicle widthwise direction, and all the second movable fins 34 are linked with each other to rotate integrally.
  • the first and second shutters 31 , 32 selectively open and close the respective first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 (first and second air introduction paths 8 a , 8 b ) by rotating the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 about the associated axes.
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are arranged to extend in a direction that is substantially the same as the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, that is, the opening direction of the first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a “fully opened position”).
  • the opening direction of the first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a “fully opened position”).
  • the flow rate of the air ahead of the vehicle introduced into the front surface of the radiator 4 is the maximum.
  • FIG. 1 the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are arranged to extend in a direction that is substantially the same as the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, that is, the opening direction of the first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a “fully opened position”).
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are arranged in a state that is rotated counterclockwise from the fully opened position such that the edges of the fins 33 , 34 overlap each other (hereinafter, referred to as a “fully closed position”).
  • the first and second air flow paths 19 , 20 are closed, and introduction of the air ahead of the vehicle into the front surface of the radiator 4 is blocked.
  • the first and second shutters 31 , 32 configure a shutter.
  • a full-open stopper 35 is arranged in each of the first and second housing frames 16 , 18 .
  • the full-open stoppers 35 are arranged on a rotation path of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 in an illustrated clockwise direction, and lock the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 (that is, all the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 ) at the fully opened position.
  • a full-close stopper 36 is arranged in each of the first and second housing frames 16 , 18 .
  • the full-close stoppers 36 are arranged on a rotation path of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 in an illustrated counter-clockwise direction, and lock the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 (that is, all the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 ) at the fully closed position. That is, the movable range of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 is set between the fully opened position and the fully closed position, at which rotation of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 is restricted by the full-open stoppers 35 and the full-close stoppers 36 .
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are arranged at any rotational position between the fully opened position and the fully closed position so as to continuously control the flow rate of the air ahead of the vehicle introduced into the front surface of the radiator 4 .
  • a first drive unit 37 and a second drive unit 38 which include a DC motor with a reduction gear, are mechanically linked to the first and second shutters 31 , 32 and are electrically connected to, for example, a control device 40 mainly formed by a microcomputer.
  • the first and second drive units 37 , 38 configure a drive unit, and are controlled by the control device 40 to selectively open and close the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the control device 40 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) 41 , which includes a memory 41 a and a timer 41 b , and a motor control circuit 42 , which is electrically connected to the CPU 41 .
  • the control device 40 is electrically connected to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 via the motor control circuit 42 .
  • the motor control circuit 42 supplies electricity to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 with a polarity corresponding to the rotational direction.
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position or the fully closed position.
  • An IG signal input circuit 44 which inputs signals representing on/off operation of an ignition switch 43 , is electrically connected to the CPU 41 .
  • an input circuit 46 is electrically connected to the CPU 41 .
  • the input circuit 46 inputs signals (pulse signals) representing the opened/closed position (absolute value) of the first movable fins 33 or the second movable fins 34 from a pulse sensor 45 configured by a pair of hall elements.
  • a communication circuit 47 which receives various types of vehicle information detected by appropriate sensors, is electrically connected to the CPU 41 .
  • the communication circuit 47 receives at least one of a vehicle speed signal representing the vehicle speed, a coolant temperature signal representing the coolant temperature in the radiator 4 , an ambient temperature signal representing the ambient temperature around the vehicle, a refrigerant pressure signal representing the refrigerant pressure in an air conditioning system, and a condition signal representing the on-off state or the cooling/heating operation condition of the air conditioning system.
  • the CPU 41 obtains the vehicle information such as the vehicle speed, the coolant temperature in the radiator 4 , the temperature around the vehicle, the refrigerant pressure of the air conditioning system, the on-off state and the cooling/heating operation condition of the air conditioning system.
  • an output circuit 49 is electrically connected to the CPU 41 .
  • the output circuit 49 outputs a drive signal to an indicator lamp 48 , for example, an LED.
  • the indicator lamp 48 serves as an informing section.
  • the indicator lamp 48 is installed in, for example, an instrument panel.
  • the output circuit 49 Upon receipt of the power-on command from the CPU 41 , the output circuit 49 outputs a drive signal to the indicator lamp 48 .
  • the indicator lamp 48 is turned on.
  • the CPU 41 When determining that predetermined opening/closing operation conditions are satisfied based on the on-off state of the ignition switch 43 , the opened/closed position of the first movable fins 33 or the second movable fins 34 , and various types of vehicle information, the CPU 41 starts outputting the power-on command to the motor control circuit 42 in order to start opening or closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the first and second drive units 37 , 38 are activated, and the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position or the fully closed position.
  • the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 to the fully opened position or the fully closed position is completed, the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 is restricted in the afore-mentioned manner.
  • a motor is locked in the first and second drive units 37 , 38 , and associated increase in the load increases the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 .
  • the CPU 41 detects that the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 to the fully opened position or the fully closed position has been completed basically by monitoring the increase in the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 .
  • the CPU 41 stops outputting the power-on command to the motor control circuit 42 to stop opening or closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the first and second drive units 37 , 38 are configured to activate simultaneously such that the opening/closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 and stopping of the operation synchronize.
  • the locking of the motor associated with the above-mentioned stop determination may be detected based on whether the pulse interval of the pulse sensor 45 , which detects the motor rotation, is greater than or equal to a predetermined time.
  • the CPU 41 detects an abnormality based on the state after starting the opening/closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (after the opening/closing operation conditions are satisfied) (abnormality detection section).
  • step S 1 when the routine is initiated as the ignition switch 43 is switched on, it is determined in step S 1 whether the opening operation condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the opening operation condition is not satisfied, it is determined in step S 2 whether the closing operation condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the closing operation condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 returns to step S 1 . That is, the CPU 41 waits until the opening operation condition is satisfied in step S 1 or the closing operation condition is satisfied in step S 2 , and then proceeds to the subsequent steps.
  • step S 1 If it is determined in step S 1 that the opening operation condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 3 , and opens the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (first operating section). More specifically, the CPU 41 outputs the power-on command, which indicates to open the first and second shutters 31 , 32 , to the motor control circuit 42 .
  • the CPU 41 functions as the first operating section. Accordingly, the first and second drive units 37 , 38 are supplied with electricity with the polarity corresponding to the opening operation, and the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position.
  • step S 4 it is determined whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds a certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 . This is because the restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 is normally considered as completion of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 to the fully opened position.
  • step S 4 it is determined in step S 5 whether a predetermined time T 1 has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T 1 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 4 . If it is determined in step S 4 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 6 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 5 that the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 7 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the CPU 41 continues the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the predetermined time T 1 elapses.
  • the predetermined time T 1 is set based on the time during which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 that have started to open will reliably complete the movement to the fully opened position.
  • step S 6 if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped, it is determined, in step S 8 , whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully opened position. More specifically, it is determined whether the opened/closed position of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 detected by the pulse sensor 45 matches the fully opened position. If it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have not reached the fully opened position, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality (for example, increase in the load due to a foreign object that gets caught) of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 9 .
  • an abnormality for example, increase in the load due to a foreign object that gets caught
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 9 .
  • abnormality detection section determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied.
  • the abnormality in the power transmission includes the state in which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are immobile to the fully opened position due to, for example, slipping caused by missing teeth of the gear.
  • the CPU 41 functions as the abnormality detection section.
  • step S 9 it is determined whether a retry has been executed.
  • the retry is a process for resuming the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 suspended in step S 6 or S 7 when it is determined that there is the above-mentioned abnormality (retry section).
  • the CPU 41 functions as the retry section. Therefore, if it is determined in step S 9 that the retry has not been executed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 3 and repeats the same process. If it is determined in step S 9 that the retry has been executed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 10 and determines that there is an abnormality (abnormality determining section).
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality in step S 10 . If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments an abnormality determination counter CNT that counts the number of times of the abnormality determination.
  • the CPU 41 functions as the abnormality determining section.
  • step S 11 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times based on whether the abnormality determination counter CNT is greater than or equal to a predetermined number NM. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality confirmation section), a caution is indicated in step S 12 , and the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is inhibited (inhibiting section). That is, the CPU 41 outputs the power-on command to the output circuit 49 indicating to turn on the indicator lamp 48 .
  • the indicator lamp 48 is turned on, and the user of the vehicle is informed of the abnormality of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the CPU 41 inhibits outputting the power-on command to the motor control circuit (or inhibits the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 ).
  • the CPU 41 functions as the abnormality confirmation section and the inhibiting section.
  • step S 8 determines that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully opened position
  • the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 13 and determines that it is normal, and returns to step S 1 .
  • step S 11 determines that the number of times of abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times
  • step S 2 If it is determined in step S 2 that the closing operation condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 14 , and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (first operating section). More specifically, the CPU 41 outputs a power-on command, which indicates to close the first and second shutters 31 , 32 , to the motor control circuit 42 .
  • the first and second drive units 37 , 38 are supplied with electricity having the polarity corresponding to the closing operation, and the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully closed position.
  • the CPU 41 functions as the first operating section.
  • step S 15 it is determined in step S 15 whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 . This is because the restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 is normally considered as completion of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 to the fully closed position.
  • step S 15 it is determined in step S 16 whether a predetermined time T 2 has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T 2 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 15 . Also, if it is determined in step S 15 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 17 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 16 that the predetermined time T 2 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 18 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the CPU 41 determines in step S 15 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 continues the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the predetermined time T 2 elapses.
  • the predetermined time T 2 is set based on the time during which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 that have started closing will reliably complete the movement to the fully closed position.
  • step S 19 it is determined in step S 19 whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully closed position. More specifically, it is determined whether the opened/closed position of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 detected by the pulse sensor 45 matches the fully closed position. If it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have not reached the fully closed position, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality (for example, increase in the load due to a foreign object that gets caught) of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 20 .
  • an abnormality for example, increase in the load due to a foreign object that gets caught
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 20 .
  • abnormality detection section determines that there is an abnormality in the power transmission of the first and second drive units 37 , 38 , extended time is required for the stop condition to be satisfied.
  • the abnormality in the power transmission includes the state in which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are immobile to the fully closed position due to, for example, slipping caused by missing teeth of the gear.
  • step S 20 it is determined whether a retry has been executed.
  • the retry is a process for resuming the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 suspended in step S 17 or S 18 when it is determined that there is an abnormality as described above (retry section). Therefore, if it is determined in step S 20 that the retry has not been executed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 14 and repeats the same process. Then, if it is determined in step S 20 that the retry has been executed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 21 and determines that there is an abnormality (abnormality determining section).
  • the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 21 and determines that there is an abnormality.
  • the CPU 41 functions as the abnormality determining section. If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments the abnormality determination counter CNT. That is, the abnormality determination counter CNT is a counted value of the number of times of the abnormality determination associated with opening/closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 22 based on whether the abnormality determination counter CNT is greater than or equal to the predetermined number NM, it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality confirmation section), a caution is indicated in step S 23 , and the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is inhibited (inhibiting section).
  • the CPU 41 functions as the abnormality confirmation section and the inhibiting section.
  • step S 19 if it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully closed position, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 24 and determines that it is normal. Furthermore, in step S 25 , the CPU 41 determines whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both normal at the fully opened position and the fully closed position, that is, the CPU 41 determines whether the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is also determined to be normal (step S 13 ). Then, if the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both determined to be normal at the fully opened position and fully closed position, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 26 and clears the abnormality determination counter CNT to zero.
  • step S 22 If it is determined in step S 22 that the number of times of abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times, the CPU 41 returns to step S 1 .
  • the CPU 41 determines, in step S 25 , that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both not normal at the fully opened position and the fully closed position, that is, the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 has not been determined to be normal, the CPU 41 returns to step S 1 .
  • the abnormality determination counter CNT is cleared in step S 26 , the CPU 41 returns to step S 1 .
  • the above-mentioned routine is repeated during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, and is terminated when the ignition switch 43 is switched off.
  • the CPU 41 operates the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 1 or S 2 is positive) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the operation record on the execution of the operation in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the CPU 41 when indicating the caution (in step S 12 or S 23 ) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the record on execution of the caution indication in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality on the precondition that a retry has been executed (step S 10 or S 21 ). Then, if it is determined that the number of times of abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (the decision outcome of step S 11 or S 22 is positive), the indicator lamp 48 is turned on and the caution is indicated. Thus, the user is informed of the abnormality in the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the present embodiment has the following advantages.
  • the user is informed of the abnormality in the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 with the indicator lamp 48 based on the detected abnormality (the decision outcome of step S 5 or S 16 is positive, or the decision outcome of step S 8 or S 19 is negative).
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are prevented from being adhered to the fully closed position and maintained in a state in which the temperature in the engine compartment 1 is constantly high, thus preventing acceleration of deterioration over time of the engine components.
  • step S 9 or S 20 When an abnormality in the operation of the shutters is detected, if detection of the abnormality is repeated by the predetermined number of times as the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is resumed (the decision outcome of step S 9 or S 20 is positive), the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality in the operation of the shutters. Since the indicator lamp 48 informs the user based on the determined abnormality, for example, even if the abnormality is temporarily detected, an unnecessary alarm is prevented from being given by the indicator lamp 48 , and an inconvenience caused by the alarm is reduced.
  • step S 11 or S 22 If the abnormality determination is made by the predetermined number of times (the decision outcome of step S 11 or S 22 is positive), the abnormality in the operation of the shutters is confirmed. Since the indicator lamp 48 informs the user based on the confirmed abnormality, for example, even if the abnormality is temporarily determined, an unnecessary alarm is further prevented from being given by the indicator lamp 48 , and an inconvenience caused by the informing section is reduced. Alternatively, by reducing a false alarm by the indicator lamp 48 , the reliability of the alarm (caution indication) is improved.
  • the pulse sensor 45 monitors the movement position (opened/closed position) when the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped upon satisfaction of the stop condition.
  • the movement position is out of the predetermined range (does not match with the fully opened position or the fully closed position)
  • the abnormality is detected.
  • the elapsed time after starting operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is monitored by the timer 41 b . If the stop condition is not satisfied even when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time (T 1 , T 2 ), the abnormality is detected.
  • a grille shutter control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B .
  • the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is controlled while considering the on-off state of the ignition switch 43 .
  • the CPU 41 determines whether there is an operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 1 or S 2 is positive) during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, that is, during the period from when the ignition switch 43 was previously switched on to when the ignition switch 43 was switched off.
  • step S 12 or S 23 the CPU 41 forces the first and second shutters 31 , 32 to operate when the ignition switch 43 is switched on.
  • the detailed description of the part that is the same as the first embodiment will be omitted.
  • step S 31 it is determined whether there is an operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on. Then, if it is determined that there is the operation record during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU proceeds to step S 32 and it is determined whether there was a caution indication in the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on. If it is determined that there was no caution indication during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 1 in FIG. 4A , and performs opening and closing control (hereinafter, referred to as normal control) of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 according to the first embodiment.
  • normal control opening and closing control
  • step S 31 If it is determined in step S 31 that there is no operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 33 and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (second operating section). The CPU 41 functions as the second operating section. Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 32 that there is the caution indication during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 33 and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (third operating section). The CPU 41 functions as the third operating section. Thus, the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully closed position.
  • step S 34 it is determined whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 34 the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 35 and it is determined whether the predetermined time T 2 has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T 2 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 34 . If it is determined in step S 34 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 36 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 35 that the predetermined time T 2 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 37 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . That is, if it is determined in step S 34 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 continues the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the predetermined time T 2 elapses.
  • step S 38 it is determined in step S 38 whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully closed position. If it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have not reached the fully closed position, the CPU 41 determines that an abnormality of some kind is caused that permits a third operating section stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 39 . Furthermore, if the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped in step S 37 , the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the third operating section stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 39 .
  • step S 39 it is determined whether a retry has been executed.
  • the retry is a process for resuming the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 suspended in step S 36 or S 37 when it is determined that there is an abnormality as described above (retry section). Therefore, if it is determined in step S 39 that the retry has not been executed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 33 and repeats the same process. If it is determined in step S 39 that the retry has been executed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 40 and determines that there is an abnormality (abnormality determining section). If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments the abnormality determination counter CNT.
  • step S 41 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times based on whether the abnormality determination counter CNT is greater than or equal to the predetermined number NM. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality confirmation section), caution is indicated in step S 42 , and the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is inhibited (inhibiting section).
  • step S 38 if it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully closed position, the CPU 41 determines that it is normal in step S 43 and proceeds to step S 44 . Alternatively, if it is determined that the number of times of abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times in step S 41 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 44 .
  • step S 44 the CPU 41 opens the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (the second operating section or the third operating section).
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position.
  • step S 45 it is determined in step S 45 whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 45 the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 46 and it is determined whether the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T 1 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 45 . If it is determined in step S 45 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 47 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 46 that the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 48 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . That is, if it is determined in step S 45 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 continues the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the predetermined time T 1 elapses.
  • step S 47 if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped, it is determined in step S 49 whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully opened position. If it is determined that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have not reached the fully opened position, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 50 . Furthermore, if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped in step S 48 , the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 50 .
  • step S 50 it is determined whether a retry has been executed.
  • the retry is a process for resuming the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 suspended in step S 47 or S 48 when it is determined that there is an abnormality as described above (retry section). Therefore, if it is determined that the retry has not been executed in step S 50 , the CPU 41 returns to step S 44 and repeats the same process. If it is determined that the retry has been executed in step S 50 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 51 and determines that there is an abnormality (abnormality determining section). If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments the abnormality determination counter CNT.
  • step S 52 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality confirmation section), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 53 and a caution is indicated and the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is inhibited (inhibiting section).
  • step S 49 determines that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 have reached the fully opened position
  • the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 54 and determines that it is normal, and then, in step S 55 , the CPU 41 determines whether the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both normal at the fully opened position and the fully closed position, that is, whether the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is also determined to be normal (step S 43 ). If the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both determined to be normal at the fully opened position and fully closed position, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 56 and clears the abnormality determination counter CNT to zero.
  • step S 52 If it is determined in step S 52 that the number of times of the abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 1 of FIG. 4A and shifts to the afore-mentioned normal control.
  • step S 55 if it is determined in step S 55 that the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are both not normal at the fully opened position and the fully closed position, that is, if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is not determined to be normal, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 1 of FIG. 4A , and shifts to the afore-mentioned normal control. If the abnormality determination counter CNT is cleared in step S 56 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 1 of FIG. 4A and shifts to the afore-mentioned normal control.
  • step S 1 or step S 2 the decision outcome of step S 1 or step S 2 is positive
  • step S 41 or step S 52 the decision outcome of step S 41 or step S 52 is negative
  • the caution indication is not executed, and the operation inhibiting state of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is cancelled (cancellation section).
  • the above-mentioned routine is repeated during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, and is terminated when the ignition switch 43 is switched off.
  • the CPU 41 operates the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 61 or S 62 is positive) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the operation record of the execution of the operation in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the CPU 41 when indicating the caution (in step S 72 or [[S 74 )]] S 84 ) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the record of execution of the caution indication in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the above-mentioned routine is repeated during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, and is terminated when the ignition switch 43 is switched off.
  • the CPU 41 operates the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 61 or S 62 is positive) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the operation record of the execution of the operation in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the CPU 41 when indicating the caution (in step S 72 or [[S 74 )]] S 84 ) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the record of execution of the caution indication in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the second embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.
  • step S 1 or step S 2 If there is no operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 1 or step S 2 is positive) during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the first and second shutters 31 , 32 are forced to operate the next time the ignition switch 43 is switched on. This provides an opportunity for detecting an abnormality. Thus, for example, the first and second shutters 31 , 32 are prevented from being left for a long period of time without being given an opportunity for detection of an abnormality.
  • step S 41 or step S 52 If there was a caution indication during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is inhibited. In this case, the first and second shutters 31 , 32 are forced to operate at the next time at which the ignition switch 43 is switched on, and an opportunity for detection of an abnormality is provided. Then, if the abnormality is not detected (the decision outcome of step S 41 or step S 52 is negative), the operation inhibiting state of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is cancelled. Thus, the operation inhibition of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is prevented from being unnecessarily continued due to the temporary caution indication.
  • the third embodiment mainly differs from the first embodiment in that the abnormality is detected based on the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is obtained by monitoring the opened/closed positions at the point in time when the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is started and is stopped with the pulse sensor 45 , and calculating the difference between the opened/closed positions (relative value).
  • step S 61 it is determined whether the opening operation condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the opening operation condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 62 and it is determined whether the closing operation condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the closing operation condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 returns to step S 61 .
  • step S 61 If it is determined in step S 61 that the opening operation condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 63 , and opens the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (first operating section). Thus, the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position.
  • step S 64 it is determined in step S 64 whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 64 determines whether the stop condition is not satisfied. If it is determined in step S 64 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 65 and determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds a predetermined movement amount A 1 .
  • the predetermined movement amount A 1 is set based on the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 by which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 that have started to open will reliably complete the movement to the fully opened position. If it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 has not exceeded the predetermined movement amount A 1 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 66 and determines whether the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed.
  • step S 64 If it is determined that the predetermined time T 1 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 64 . If it is determined in step S 64 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 67 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . If it is determined in step S 65 that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 1 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 68 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 66 that the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 68 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 64 the CPU 41 continues the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 1 , or until the predetermined time T 1 elapses.
  • step S 69 determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is normal. More specifically, it is determined whether the movement amount, which is based on the difference between the opened/closed positions of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 detected by the pulse sensor 45 at the point in time when the operation is started and when the operation is stopped, is greater than or equal to a predetermined movement amount Ao corresponding to the fully opened position of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 70 and determines that there is an abnormality. Furthermore, if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped in step S 68 , the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that does prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 70 and determines that there is an abnormality.
  • the abnormality in the power transmission includes the state in which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 are immobile to the fully opened position due to, for example, slipping caused by missing teeth of the gear. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments an abnormality determining counter CNT 1 that counts the number of times of the determination.
  • step S 71 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times based on whether the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number NM 1 . If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality determining section), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 72 , indicates a caution and inhibits the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (inhibiting section).
  • step S 69 if it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is greater than or equal to the movement amount Ao and is normal, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 73 and determines that it is normal. Then, in step S 74 , the CPU 41 clears the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 to zero, and returns to step S 61 .
  • step S 71 if it is determined that the number of times of abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times, the CPU 41 returns to step S 61 .
  • step S 62 if it is determined that the closing operation condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 75 , and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (first operating section). Thus, the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully closed position.
  • step S 76 it is determined whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 76 determines whether the stop condition is not satisfied. If it is determined in step S 76 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 77 and determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds a predetermined movement amount A 2 .
  • the predetermined movement amount A 2 is set based on the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 by which the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 that have started to close will reliably complete the movement to the fully closed position. If it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 has not exceeded the predetermined movement amount A 2 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 78 and determines whether the predetermined time T 2 has elapsed.
  • step S 76 If it is determined that the predetermined time T 2 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 76 . If it is determined in step S 76 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 79 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . If it is determined in step S 77 that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 2 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 80 and stops the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 78 that the predetermined time T 2 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 80 and stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 76 if it is determined in step S 76 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 continues the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 2 , or the predetermined time T 2 elapses.
  • step S 79 if the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 81 and determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is normal. More specifically, it is determined whether the movement amount, which is based on the difference between the opened/closed positions of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 detected by the pulse sensor 45 at the point in time when the operation is started and when the operation is stopped, is greater than or equal to a predetermined movement amount Ac corresponding to the fully closed position of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 80 if it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is less than the movement amount Ac and is not normal, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 82 and determines that there is an abnormality. Furthermore, in step S 80 , if the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 82 and determines that there is an abnormality.
  • the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 . That is, the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 is a counted value of the number of times of the abnormality determination associated with opening/closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 83 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality determining section), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 84 , indicates a caution and inhibits the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (inhibiting section).
  • step S 81 if it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is greater than or equal to the movement amount Ac and is normal, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 85 and determines that it is normal. Then, in step S 86 , the CPU 41 clears the abnormality determining counter CNT 1 to zero, and returns to step S 61 . Alternatively, in step S 83 , if it is determined that the number of times of abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times, the CPU 41 returns to step S 61 .
  • the above-mentioned routine is repeated during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, and is terminated when the ignition switch 43 is switched off.
  • the CPU 41 operates the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 61 or S 62 is positive) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the operation record of the execution of the operation in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the CPU 41 when indicating the caution (in step S 72 or S 84 ) during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, the CPU 41 stores and maintains the record of execution of the caution indication in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the present embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages (1), (5), and (6) of the first embodiment.
  • step S 65 , S 66 , S 77 , or S 78 If an abnormality is detected (the decision outcome of step S 65 , S 66 , S 77 , or S 78 is positive, or the decision outcome of step S 69 or S 81 is negative) by the predetermined number of times (the decision outcome of step S 71 or S 83 is positive), the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality. Then, based on the determined abnormality, the indicator lamp 48 informs the user of the abnormality in the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . Thus, for example, even if the abnormality is temporarily detected, an unnecessary alarm is prevented from being given by the indicator lamp 48 , and an inconvenience caused by the alarm is reduced. Alternatively, by reducing a false alarm by the indicator lamp 48 , the reliability of the alarm (caution indication) is improved.
  • the pulse sensor 45 monitors the movement amounts when the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped upon satisfaction of the stop condition. If the movement amounts are less than the predetermined movement amounts Ao, Ac, the abnormality is detected. Alternatively, the elapsed time after starting the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is monitored by the timer 41 b . If the stop condition is not satisfied although the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time (T 1 , T 2 ), the abnormality is detected.
  • a grille shutter control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 7 .
  • the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that, for example, during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, if there is no operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition (the decision outcome of step S 61 or S 62 is positive), or if there was the caution indication and the operation inhibition (step S 72 or S 84 ), the first and second shutters 31 , 32 are forced to operate when the ignition switch 43 is switched on.
  • the detailed description of the part that is the same as the third embodiment will be omitted.
  • step S 91 it is determined whether there is an operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on. If it is determined that there is the operation record during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 92 and determines whether there is a caution indication in the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 is on. If it is determined that there is no caution indication during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 61 in FIG. 6A , and performs opening and closing control (hereinafter, referred to as a normal control) of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 according to the third embodiment.
  • a normal control opening and closing control
  • step S 91 If it is determined in step S 91 that there is no operation record of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 upon satisfaction of the operation condition during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 93 and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (second operating section).
  • step S 92 if it is determined that there was a caution indication during the previous period in which the ignition switch 43 was on, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 93 and closes the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (third operating section).
  • the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully closed position.
  • step S 94 it is determined whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 94 On the precondition that it is determined that the stop condition is satisfied in step S 94 , the CPU 41 stops closing the first and second shutters 31 , 32 in step S 95 . Subsequently, in step S 96 , the CPU 41 opens the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (the second operating section or the third operating section). Thus, the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 move to the fully opened position. Then, in step S 97 , it is determined whether the stop condition is satisfied.
  • the stop condition is a case in which the amount of electricity supplied to the first and second drive units 37 , 38 exceeds the certain level indicating restriction of the movement of the first and second movable fins 33 , 34 .
  • step S 97 the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 98 and determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 1 . If it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 has not exceeded the predetermined movement amount A 1 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 99 and determines whether the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time T 1 has not elapsed, the CPU 41 returns to step S 97 . Also, if it is determined in step S 97 that the stop condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 100 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 98 If it is determined in step S 98 that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 1 , the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 101 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 99 if it is determined that the predetermined time T 1 has elapsed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 101 and stops the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . That is, if it is determined in step S 97 that the stop condition is not satisfied, the CPU 41 continues the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 until the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 exceeds the predetermined movement amount A 1 , or the predetermined time T 1 elapses.
  • step S 100 the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 102 and determines whether the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is normal. If it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is not normal, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that permits the stop condition to be satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 103 and determines that there is an abnormality.
  • step S 101 if the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is stopped, the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality of some kind that prevents the stop condition from being satisfied (abnormality detection section), and proceeds to step S 103 and determines that there is an abnormality. If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality, the CPU 41 increments the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 . That is, the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 at this stage in the current routine is a counted value of only the number of times of the abnormality determination associated with opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 . This is the abnormality may be basically detected in only one of the opening operation and the closing operation when, in particular, detecting the abnormality based on the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • step S 104 it is determined whether the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the number of times of the abnormality determination is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of times (abnormality determining section), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 105 , indicates a caution and inhibits the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 (inhibiting section).
  • step S 102 if it is determined that the movement amount of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is normal, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 106 and determines that it is normal. Then, in step S 107 , the CPU 41 clears the abnormality determination counter CNT 1 to zero, and proceeds to step S 61 of FIG. 6A and shifts to the above-described normal control. Alternatively, if it is determined in step S 104 that the number of times of the abnormality determination is less than the predetermined number of times, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S 61 in FIG. 6A and shifts to the above-described normal control.
  • the above-mentioned routine is executed during the period in which the ignition switch 43 is on, and is terminated when the ignition switch 43 is switched off.
  • the CPU 41 stores and maintains the record of execution of the caution indication in the memory 41 a with a battery backup.
  • the fourth embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the second and third embodiments.
  • step S 98 or S 99 is positive, or the decision outcome of step S 102 is negative.
  • a retry performed when an abnormality is detected may be omitted or may be performed three or more times. Also, in a case in which a retry is performed, the retry may be performed after waiting for a predetermined time.
  • a retry performed when an abnormality is detected may be omitted or may be performed three or more times. Also, in a case in which a retry is performed, the retry may be performed after waiting for a predetermined time.
  • the abnormality detection prior to the normal control may be performed only in either the opening operation or the closing operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • the retry when detecting an abnormality (the decision outcome of steps S 65 , S 66 , S 77 or S 78 is positive, or the decision outcome of step S 69 or S 81 is negative), the retry may be performed several times. In this case, the retry may be performed after waiting for a predetermined time.
  • the retry when detecting an abnormality (the decision outcome of step S 98 or S 99 is positive, or the decision outcome of step S 102 is negative), the retry may be performed several times. In this case, the retry may be performed after waiting for a predetermined time.
  • the abnormality detection prior to the normal control may be performed in the closing operation instead of or in addition to the opening operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 .
  • determination of the fully opened position or the fully closed position may be made by, for example, an on/off signal of a limit switch.
  • the caution indication may be temporarily cancelled. Then, the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be forced to operate at the next time in which the ignition switch 43 is switched on (third operating section). In this case, an opportunity for detecting an abnormality associated with operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is provided at the next time in which the ignition switch 43 is switched on. At this time, if the abnormality is not detected, the CPU 41 cancels the caution indication and the operation inhibiting state of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 and restores to the normal state. If the abnormality is detected, the caution indication and the operation inhibition of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 are immediately performed.
  • the abnormality of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be detected in a case in which the stop condition is satisfied although the elapsed time after starting the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 has not reached the predetermined time (first predetermined time). This is because, for example, if the load is increased due to adhesion of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 or a foreign object caught in the first and second shutters 31 , 32 , the stop condition is satisfied earlier than normal.
  • the abnormality can be detected by monitoring the elapsed time after the operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 is started, and if the stop condition is satisfied although the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time.
  • the user may be informed each time an abnormality is detected, or each time an abnormality determination is made after a retry.
  • determination of the stop condition may be performed utilizing appropriate physical quantity that has correlation with the driving force of the first and second drive units 37 , 38 .
  • the subsequent operation of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 does not necessarily have to be inhibited.
  • the user upon detection of the abnormality, the user may be informed by an audible alarm using, for example, a speaker or a buzzer serving as the informing section.
  • first and second drive units 37 , 38 may be configured by a single drive unit, and the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be opened or closed together.
  • opening and closing of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 based on the vehicle information may be controlled to be located at any opened/closed position between the fully closed position and the fully opened position.
  • the first and second drive units 37 , 38 may be configured by a single drive unit, and only one of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be opened or closed. That is, the other one of the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be, for example, fixed in the open state. In this case, the second shutter 32 is preferably fixed in the open state.
  • the first and second shutters 31 , 32 may be opened and closed by, for example, sliding motion.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
US14/005,088 2011-03-18 2012-03-13 Grille shutter control device Active US8983736B2 (en)

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JP2011-061435 2011-03-18
JP2011061435A JP5411186B2 (ja) 2011-03-18 2011-03-18 グリルシャッター制御装置
PCT/JP2012/056382 WO2012128122A1 (fr) 2011-03-18 2012-03-13 Dispositif de commande d'obturateur de calandre

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US10272768B2 (en) * 2012-07-02 2019-04-30 Mci (Mirror Controls International Netherlands B.V. Adjustment system, primary adjustment unit and secondary adjustment unit, air intake, motor vehicle
US20190141891A1 (en) * 2017-11-15 2019-05-16 CNH Industrial America, LLC System and method for adjusting the flow orientation of an air flow exhausted from an agricultural harvester
US10434868B2 (en) * 2017-10-04 2019-10-08 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Grille shutter control device
US10538214B2 (en) 2017-11-15 2020-01-21 Denso International America, Inc. Controlled in-tank flow guide for heat exchanger
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US10272768B2 (en) * 2012-07-02 2019-04-30 Mci (Mirror Controls International Netherlands B.V. Adjustment system, primary adjustment unit and secondary adjustment unit, air intake, motor vehicle
US9573458B2 (en) * 2012-10-03 2017-02-21 Magna, International Inc. Spring operated back-up/fail-safe module for active grille shutter systems
US20140094104A1 (en) * 2012-10-03 2014-04-03 Magna International Inc. Spring-operated back-up/fail-safe module for active grille shutter systems
US20140345400A1 (en) * 2013-05-21 2014-11-27 Johnson Electric S.A. Actuator with Progressive Gear
US9168828B2 (en) * 2013-05-21 2015-10-27 Johnson Electric S.A. Actuator with progressive gear
US20150343894A1 (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-03 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Grille shutter device
US9701191B2 (en) * 2014-05-27 2017-07-11 Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Grille shutter device
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US10434868B2 (en) * 2017-10-04 2019-10-08 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Grille shutter control device
US20190141891A1 (en) * 2017-11-15 2019-05-16 CNH Industrial America, LLC System and method for adjusting the flow orientation of an air flow exhausted from an agricultural harvester
US10538214B2 (en) 2017-11-15 2020-01-21 Denso International America, Inc. Controlled in-tank flow guide for heat exchanger
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US20140005896A1 (en) 2014-01-02
CN103429451B (zh) 2016-08-24
JP2012197001A (ja) 2012-10-18
AU2012232375B2 (en) 2015-07-16
CN103429451A (zh) 2013-12-04
EP2687394B1 (fr) 2015-12-16
JP5411186B2 (ja) 2014-02-12
WO2012128122A1 (fr) 2012-09-27
EP2687394A4 (fr) 2014-05-14
EP2687394A1 (fr) 2014-01-22
AU2012232375A1 (en) 2013-09-26

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